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Choosing the right ergonomic office chair

Introduction to choosing ergonomic office chairs

Working in an office typically involves spending a great deal of time sitting - a position that adds stress to the structures in the spine. Therefore, to avoid developing or compounding back problems, it's important to have an ergonomic office chair that supports the lower back and promotes good posture.

What kind of ergonomic chair is best?

There are many types of ergonomic chairs available for use in the office.  No one type is necessarily the best, but there are some things that are very important to look for in a good ergonomic office chair.  These things will allow the individual user to make the chair work well for his or her specific needs.

This article will examine the traditional office chair, as well as alternatives that can be used as an office chair that may be preferable for some people with back problems.

What features should a good ergonomic chair possess?

in first considering the "conventional" style of office chair, there are a number of things an ergonomic chair should have, including:

• Seat Height. Seat height should be easily adjustable.  A pneumatic adjustment lever is the easiest way to do this.  A seat height that ranges from about 16-21 inches off the floor should work for most people.  This allows the user to have his or her feet flat on the floor, with thighs horizontal and arms even with the height of the desk.
• Seat Width and depth. The seat should have enough width and depth to support any user comfortably.  usually 17-20 inches wide is the standard. The depth (from front to back of the seat) needs to be enough so that the user can sit with his or her back against the backrest of the ergonomic office chair while leaving approximately 2 to 4 inches between the back of the knees and the seat of the chair.  the forward or backward tilt of the seat should be adjustable.
• Lumbar support. Lower back support in an ergonomic office chair is very important. The lumbar spine has an inward curve, and sitting for long periods without support for this curve tends to lead to slouching (which flattens the natural curve) and strains the structures in the lower spine. An ergonomic chair should have a lumbar adjustment (both height and depth) so each user can get the proper fit to support the inward curve of the lower back.
• Backrest. The backrest of an ergonomic office chair should be 12 to 19 inches wide.  If the backrest is seperate from the seat, it should be adjustable in height and angle. It should be able to support the natural curve of the spine, again with special attention paid to proper support of the lumbar region. If the chair has the seat and backrest together as one piece, the backrest should be adjustable in forward and backward angles, with a locking mechanism to secure it from going too far backward once the user has determined the appropriate angle.
• Seat Matreial. The material on the seat and back of the ergonomic office chair should have enough padding to be comfortable to sit on for extended periods of time. Having a cloth fabric that breathes is preferable to a harder surface.
• Armrests. Armrests should be adjustable. They should allow the user's arms to rest comfortably and shoulders to be relaxed. The elbows and lower arms should rest lightly, and the forearm should not be on the armrest while typing.
• Swivel. Any conventional style or ergonomic office chair should easily rotate so the user can reach different areas of his or her desk without straining.

Certainly there is no "one size fits all".  If you would like any advice concering what type of chair may be best for your own specific ergonomic needs please call us to discuss with one of our clinic's physiotherapists.

Simon Howard MCSP Member HPC
Physiotherapist